Costs Associated With Compressed Natural Gas 

Vehicle Fueling Infrastructure

Factors to consider in the implementation of fueling stations and equipment

Margaret Smith, New West Technologies (DOE HQ Technical Support)

John Gonzales, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

This document has been peer reviewed by the natural gas industry.

September 2014
2

Introduction

This document is designed to help fleets understand the cost factors associated with fueling 

infrastructure for compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. It provides estimated cost ranges for 

various sizes and types of CNG fueling stations and an overview of factors that contribute to the 

total cost of an installed station. The information presented is based on input from professionals 

in the natural gas industry who design, sell equipment for, and/or own and operate CNG stations.

The total cost of developing a CNG 

fueling station depends on a number 

of factors, including the fuel demand 

from the fleet and other users, the 

fleet's applications and duty cycles, 

site conditions, the complexity of 

equipment installation, and permitting 

processes. Consequently, costs can 

vary widely from one project to 

another. This document outlines the 

primary cost factors for fleets' 

consideration but is not intended to 

serve as a tool for estimating the cost 

of an individual project. To obtain an 

estimate for a specific project, contact 

a CNG equipment supplier or 

engineer who specializes in CNG 

station design.

CNG Station Overview

CNG stations receive fuel via a local utility line at a pressure lower than that used for vehicle 

fueling. The station compresses the gas to a higher pressure for vehicle fueling. Described below 

are the three types of CNG stations: fast-fill, time-fill, and combination-fill. The main structural 

differences are the amount of storage capacity, size of the compressor(s), and dispensing rate.

• Fast-fill: The compressor and storage capacity for fast-fill stations are designed such that 

drivers experience fill times similar to those for gasoline or diesel fueling stations.

• Time-fill: This equipment fills CNG vehicles over a period of hours and is typically used 

by fleets with vehicles that fuel at a central location each night. The time it takes to fuel a 

vehicle depends on the number of vehicles, the amount of fuel required, and the 

throughput of the compressor. Vehicles are unattended during the fueling process, which 

may take several minutes to many hours.

• Combination-fill: At combination-fill stations, users have the ability to time-fill or fastfill vehicles on demand. Many fleets use the convenience of time-fill as the primary 

method of fueling, with fast-fill available as needed.

A CNG station may be accessible only to a private fleet, open to the public, or a combination of 

the two. Private stations are only available for use by one fleet or several fleets that have 

CNG vehicles using time-fill posts in Oyster Bay, New York. Photo 

from Greater Long Island Clean Cities, NREL 23853
3

contracts with the station owner. Fleets use 

private stations so they can ensure their 

vehicles have priority for fueling and 

maximize vehicle operation time. Public 

stations are openly accessed by fleets and 

retail consumers; some public stations are 

only open during specified business hours.

They have fuel management systems that 

allow for payment processing via credit 

card and fleet fuel card. Public stations are 

utilized by fleets that prefer not to build, 

operate or maintain their own 

infrastructure. Public-private stations are 

designed for a fleet to fuel its vehicles with 

fast-fill or time-fill privately, while also 

providing publicly available (or limited 

prearranged use) fast-fill dispensers on the 

street side of the fence. A fleet may choose a public-private design to meet fuel supplier 

throughput requirements, to benefit from economies of scale, or to meet requirements of a grant 

or incentive.

Factors Affecting CNG Station Costs

The most significant costs associated with developing a station are those related to land, 

engineering drawings, station design, equipment, and installation. The actual costs of a given 

project will vary according to the specific needs and constraints of the station and its users.

User Needs and Access

Time-Fill and Fast-Fill Designs

Time-fill stations are designed for vehicles that have a long fueling window. At these stations, 

vehicles are generally filled directly from the compressor, not from storage tanks. At fast-fill 

stations, vehicles are filled from high-pressure storage tanks or compressors. Time-fill station 

development costs are typically lower than those of fast-fill stations, given that time-fill stations

generally have smaller compressors and little to no storage. Time-fill stations normally use 

unmetered fill posts (see photo) instead of metered dispensers. Although fill posts are less 

expensive than metered dispensers, the station may require more of them because time-fill 

stations typically have one fill post per one to four vehicles. For larger fleets, a combination-fill 

station has the advantage of spreading out the fueling load by time-filling overnight and fastfilling throughout the day.

Fleet Size, Fuel Use, and Fueling Window

Station design is determined by the number of vehicles that fuel at the station, the amount of fuel 

the vehicles use, and the vehicles' drive and duty cycles and associated fueling windows. Stations 

that serve large numbers of vehicles with short fueling windows or unpredictable fueling times 

may require large compressors, greater storage capacity, and/or a large number of dispensers. If 

vehicle fueling can be staggered on a predictable schedule, a fleet may be able to reduce overall

FuelMaker FMQ-8 compressor and dual hose time-fill post 

in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Photo from Jeremy Talbot, Phoenix 

Energy Corp, NREL 28228
4

costs. Vehicles with high daily fuel use may have longer fill times, which affect fueling 

schedules. If these vehicles have short fueling windows, they may require a CNG station with 

significant storage or compression capacity. 

Public, Private, or Public-Private Access

Some design and operational differences among public, private, and public-private stations can

affect costs. Public-access stations usually require liability insurance. A public-private station 

has multiple fueling areas, and there is an additional cost associated with extending the power 

and gas line to the public dispenser(s). A public-private station may have greater operating costs 

related to accounting and billing compared to a private station. If a fast-fill station is designed for 

fueling many vehicles with short fueling windows, it may require larger compressors and more 

storage capacity than would a site that serves the same number of vehicles with longer fueling 

windows.

Installation and Site Parameters

Inlet Gas Pressure

The available gas pressure (inlet pressure) in the supply gas line can have a significant impact 

(positive or negative) on station costs. If a site has low gas pressure in the gas line, additional 

compression and/or higher horsepower may be needed, which will increase capital and operating 

costs. It may be possible to increase the site’s 

gas pressure at an additional cost, but if not, in 

very low pressure situations, it may be 

advantageous to find another fueling site. Gas 

boosters are available to help increase pressure. 

Conversely, if a site has high gas pressure in the 

gas line, costs associated with compressors may 

be lower than average. Operational costs may 

also be lower in this scenario, because less 

power will be needed to achieve a given fueling 

rate. Natural gas utilities typically operate lowpressure (less than 1⁄2 pounds per square inch 

gauge [psig]), medium-pressure (5-60 psig), and 

high-pressure (greater than 100 psig) systems in 

the United States. It is desirable for largecapacity stations to be installed on high-pressure 

gas lines. On a high-pressure line, a regulator 

may be required to regulate the gas pressure to meet the compressor requirements.

CNG Station Installation

CNG station installation costs include those associated with laying concrete, trenching, 

ductwork, plumbing, electrical connection and upgrades, and material shipping. Many factors 

affect installation costs, including the following:

• Site layout—This must take into account the distances to buildings and property lines.

CNG station installed at an existing gas station in 

Richmond, Virginia. Photo from Margaret Smith, DOE, 

NREL 28005
5

• Available power supply—If a 

site does not have adequate 

electrical capacity for CNG 

fueling equipment, an 

electrical upgrade may be 

necessary.

• Space constraints—A site 

with space constraints may 

require additional 

engineering and installation 

costs.

• Proximity to gas pipeline—If 

the gas line needs to be 

brought closer to the station

site, it will result in 

additional costs. Depending on the circumstances, such as the fleet committing to a 

minimum throughput volume, the utility may cover a portion of this cost.

The following site considerations also affect station installation costs:

• Signage, lighting, and security fencing

• Availability of other types of fuels to be dispensed from the same location

• Indoor fueling, which adds significant costs because of its specialized construction and 

high-specification heating and electrical equipment 

• Fueling island canopy, which may increase station cost by $20,000 to $80,000

• Size and weight of vehicles to be served by the station, which affect pavement type and 

turn-radius requirements

• Soil conditions, which can impact foundation requirements

• Driveways, grading, and other general site upgrades.

Land Costs, Due Diligence, and General Site Work

The site location and preparation needed for the CNG station will have a significant effect on the 

overall development cost. Land costs vary based on many factors, such as location and size. Prior 

to installing CNG fueling equipment, general site work may be needed, such as grading, filling, 

compacting, paving, and stormwater management. A developer may incur additional costs for 

due diligence measures, such as a geotechnical survey of the site to ensure the soil conditions can 

support the weight of the station equipment. Completing environmental site assessments can help 

a developer determine whether the purchased land has previously been contaminated by 

hazardous materials.

A Washington, D.C., government worker fuels a CNG Honda Civic. 

Photo from Kaye Evans, PR Newswire, NREL 18250
6

Two enclosed compressors, protected from 

inclement weather. Photo from Marathon 

Technical Services, NREL 30343

Project Management

Increased costs may result from project management challenges, such as supplier reliability, 

expediting equipment delivery or installation, or regional labor costs. Research into the 

experience and qualifications of vendors and engineering service providers should help to avoid 

any unnecessary costs.

Station Commissioning

After the CNG station equipment is 

installed, a commissioning process ensures 

the station functions properly. During this 

process, the station components are tested 

under various conditions, and adjustments 

are made if needed. Commissioning may be 

performed by the contractor who built the 

station or by a third-party expert. When 

soliciting proposals for building a CNG 

station, developers are encouraged to 

require station commissioning is included 

in proposals. The contract established with 

a station provider should specify within the performance clause that the work must pass a 

commissioning process. It is beneficial for the entity that will perform station maintenance to be 

present during commissioning.

Station Design

Engineering Drawings

It is important to work with an experienced 

engineer to design a station that best meets the 

owner’s needs. As described throughout this 

document, there are many design parameters that 

must be tailored to vehicle requirements, site 

constraints, budgets, long-term plans, and location. 

The cost of engineering drawings can range from 

approximately $10,000 to $40,000, depending on 

the size and complexity of the station.

Compressor Redundancy

It is considered a best practice to design a station 

with multiple compressors so that the total 

compressor power is greater than what is necessary for the anticipated fuel throughput. Installing 

additional compressors, which is referred to as compressor redundancy, allows the station to 

continue operating in the event that one compressor stops functioning or is undergoing scheduled 

maintenance. A fleet may choose a design with 100% redundancy. A lower-cost design option is 

to have two compressors, each capable of providing 50% to 70% of the total required flow. In 

this scenario, fleets typically select two identical compressors because they will have the same 

Redundant compressors at Washington Gas in Springfield, 

Virginia. Photo from Margaret Smith, DOE, NREL 28171
7

This CNG station was built with three storage 

vessels and has space on the concrete slab to add 

more storage vessels in the future. Photo from 

Marathon Technical Services, NREL 30345

This CNG station was built with one dispenser and 

has concrete poured to easily install three more 

dispensers in the future. Photo from Marathon 

Technical Services, NREL 30344

maintenance procedures and spare parts. This option allows the main compressor to run until the 

demand for fuel requires the second compressor to start.

Compressor Enclosures

Some compressors are protected from inclement 

weather to prevent premature wear and reliability 

issues. A shelter can be constructed around the 

compressor, or the compressor can be enclosed in a 

box. Canopy shelters provide ample space to 

perform maintenance on the compressor but may 

not provide full protection from rain and snow. 

Enclosures are transportable, require less space than 

a canopy, provide good weather protection, and 

reduce compressor noise. However, there is very 

little room to perform maintenance on enclosed 

compressors. Basic compressor enclosures add 

approximately 10% to the cost of the compressor. 

Planning for Growth

If a station is designed to accommodate an 

anticipated future increase in throughput, there may be additional initial costs associated with 

station development. However, such investments may result in less expensive upgrades and 

expansions in the long run. For example, a single compressor can be installed in the initial phase, 

with a second compressor added as demand increases. This also builds in redundancy. Similarly, 

leaving space and planning for utility lines to serve additional dispensers and/or more storage 

may save time and money in the future. Skid-mounted systems are convenient for growing fleets 

because they can be easily replaced with larger systems.

Regulatory and Permitting Issues

Regulatory and permitting requirements can be 

significant factors in the costs associated with 

station engineering, equipment, and installation.

The cost and lead time required for obtaining 

necessary permits will vary based on the relevant 

jurisdiction(s). Engaging the authorities having 

jurisdiction (AHJs) at the outset of the project will 

ultimately simplify the permitting process. Fire 

marshals, zoning boards, and permitting agencies 

are examples of AHJs. Some AHJs may have 

extensive requirements pertaining to fire detection 

and extinguishing systems or seismic design. 

Americans with Disabilities Act compliance may 

also affect the cost of the station or other facility 

design parameters. 
8

Metering System

Choosing to meter only the total fuel flow at the station, rather than metering the amount used at 

each fast-fill dispenser, can typically decrease equipment costs by approximately $15,000 per 

hose. However, metering only total fuel flow may not 

allow for necessary data collection related to taxes, 

revenues, expenses, or vehicle preventive maintenance.

Backup Power Generator

Natural gas or diesel generators can be used to produce 

electricity to run the compressor and auxiliary 

equipment in the event of a power outage. Generator 

costs can range from $50,000 to $250,000, depending

on the size of the compressor it supports.

Other Factors to Consider

Operations and Maintenance

Operational costs such as 

electricity, insurance, and 

accounting software should be 

taken into consideration and 

accounted for in the fuel 

price. Electricity charges 

include consumption and 

demand charges, which vary 

across the country. The 

accounting system processes 

fuel purchases and ensures

that relevant federal, state, 

and municipal motor vehicle 

sales taxes are applied. It is 

important to note that a

maintenance contract is 

critical for the long-term

performance of a station. Minor preventive maintenance is scheduled on a regular basis, along

with periodic major maintenance activities.

Geographic Location and Weather

Geographic location and weather impact the costs of equipment, installation, and permitting. In 

extremely cold climates, more elaborate equipment may be needed, including additional heaters.

Regions prone to earthquakes may have seismic design requirements. Inclement weather during 

construction can add to installation costs. For example, a project may incur expenses related to

keeping water out of trenches. Equipment and construction costs vary from one region to the 

next. 

Two compressors protected from inclement weather by a canopy with easy 

access for maintenance. Photo from Tulsa Gas Technologies, NREL 30246

A power generator that can supply electricity 

to the CNG station in the event of a power 

outage. Photo from Marathon Technical 

Services, NREL 30346
9

Mobile Onsite Fueling

Though not yet a common practice, 

some fleets are exploring mobile 

onsite CNG fueling options, also 

known as “wet hosing.” In this 

scenario, all vehicles return to the 

yard in the evening, and a CNG

supplier fuels the vehicles 

overnight. A fleet may choose this 

option instead of building onsite 

infrastructure. Mobile onsite 

fueling can also be used as a 

temporary arrangement when CNG 

vehicles arrive before infrastructure is operational or when infrastructure is out of service. This 

option may not be available in all geographic areas. A fleet should consult local code authorities 

to identify any restrictions to mobile fueling.

Renewable Natural Gas

Renewable natural gas 

(RNG), produced at 

locations such as landfills or 

dairy farms, can supply gas 

to onsite fueling 

infrastructure for vehicles 

such as refuse haulers and 

dairy trucks. There are 

equipment costs associated 

with refining RNG into 

pipeline-quality gas. Once

the RNG has been refined,

equipment and installation 

costs for a fueling station 

using RNG are similar to 

those for a fueling station that is connected to a utility pipeline. For more information about 

RNG, visit afdc.energy.gov/fuels/emerging_biogas.html.

Transit Bus Fleets

If you have a transit bus fleet, transit stations require special considerations because they must 

fuel large numbers of vehicles with high volumes of fuel in short-fill windows (e.g., 20 to 300 

buses requiring 30 to 50 diesel gallon equivalents per day, all within a four- to eight-hour fueling 

window). Instead of the traditional fast-fill design, these stations are typically designed to fuel 

vehicles directly from the compressors and have lower station storage capacity. They have

multiple large compressors, and buses may be fueled indoors while being cleaned. Consequently, 

these stations require significantly more engineering and are typically more costly than stations 

serving other types of fleets.

This CNG fueling station in DeKalb County, Georgia, dispenses RNG made 

from landfill gas. Photo from Robert Gordon, DeKalb County, NREL 26760

FuelMule from Ultimate CNG is a mobile, self-contained CNG station 

providing onsite fast-fill fuel delivery. Photo from Ultimate CNG, LLC
10

Estimated CNG Station Costs

The tables below provide estimated cost ranges for CNG stations of various daily fuel demands.

These estimates include the costs of engineering, equipment, and installation at a site with the 

specified assumptions. The estimates do not include costs associated with unusually complicated 

installations, difficult permitting issues, compressor redundancy, or similar factors that could

increase the total project cost.

Unless otherwise noted, the estimates for fast-fill stations assume a vehicle fueling window in 

which 70% of the fuel is dispensed during two hours in the morning and two hours in the 

afternoon. For time-fill stations, the compressor is assumed to run for 10 hours per day. Fast-fill 

cost estimates for the small, medium, and large stations include a priority panel and credit card 

reader. All scenarios include a gas dryer.

It is important to note that the cost of a CNG station may vary substantially from the estimates 

listed here. Contact a CNG equipment supplier or engineer who specializes in CNG station 

design to determine the appropriate design and cost for a specific application.

Basic Time-Fill (5–10 gge*/day)

Type Cost Range Example Applications Assumptions

Time-Fill $5,500–

$6,500

One personal vehicle fueling up to 5

gge/night inside a residential garage

• One 1-scfm compressor (0.48 gge/hr)

• 1⁄4-2 psi inlet gas pressure

Time-Fill $9,000–

$10,000

Private fleet station serving two

sedans/pickups fueling 5 gge/night

outdoors**

• One 2-scfm (1 gge/hr) compressor

• 1⁄4-2 psi inlet gas pressure

• One dual-hose post

*1 gge (gasoline gallon equivalent) = 126 scf (standard cubic feet)

**A time-fill station can accommodate more vehicles than hoses if the vehicles do not fuel every day.

Starter Station (20–40 gge*/day)

Type Cost Range Example Applications Assumptions

Fast-Fill $45,000–

$75,000

Private fleet station serving up to four

sedans/pickups fueling 10 gge/day

• One 8-scfm (4 gge/hr) compressor

• 2–5 psi inlet gas pressure

• 3,780 scf storage (30 gge)

• One single-hose dispenser

Time-Fill $35,000–

$50,000

Private fleet station serving 

• Two utility service trucks fueling 20 

gge/night or

• Four delivery vehicles fueling 10 

gge/night**

• One 8-scfm (4 gge/hr) compressor

• 2–5 psi inlet gas pressure

• Two dual-hose posts

*1 gge (gasoline gallon equivalent) = 126 scf (standard cubic feet)

**A time-fill station can accommodate more vehicles than hoses if the vehicles do not fuel every day.
11

Small Station (100–200 gge*/day)

Type Cost Range Example Applications Assumptions

Fast-Fill $400,000–

$600,000

Private fleet station serving: 

• 15–25 pickups/delivery vans fueling 7 

gge/day or

• 9–16 taxis/work trucks fueling 12 

gge/day

• One 40–75 scfm (19–24 gge/hr) 

compressor

• 5–15 psi inlet gas pressure

• 16,250 scf storage (129 gge)

• One single-hose metered dispenser

• Included installation costs are estimated at

65% of equipment costs

Time-Fill $250,000–

$500,000

Private fleet station serving: 

• 10–20 school buses fueling 10 

gge/night,

• 5–10 refuse vehicles fueling 20 

gge/night, or 

• 15–20 sedans/pickups fueling 7 

gge/night**

• One 20-50 scfm (10–24 gge/hr) 

compressor

• 5–10 psi inlet gas pressure

• 10 dual-hose posts

• One time-fill panel; 10-hour fueling 

window

• Included installation costs are estimated at

65% of equipment costs

*1 gge (gasoline gallon equivalent) = 126 scf (standard cubic feet)

**A time-fill station can accommodate more vehicles than hoses if the vehicles do not fuel every day.

Medium Station (500–800 gge*/day)

Type Cost Range Example Applications Assumptions

Fast-Fill $700,000–

$900,000

• Public retail station serving 50–80 

light/medium-duty vehicles fueling 10 

gge/day or

• Private fleet station serving 45–65 

taxis fueling 12 gge/day

• One 180–300 scfm (86–143 gge/hr)

compressor

• 30 psi inlet gas pressure

• 34,000 scf storage (270 gge)

• One dual-hose metered dispenser

• Included installation costs are estimated at

65% of equipment costs

Time-Fill $550,000–

$850,000

Private fleet station serving: 

• 50–80 school buses fueling 10 

gge/night,

• 25–40 refuse trucks fueling 20 

gge/night, or

• 75–80 sedans/pick-ups fueling 7 

gge/night**

• One 100–175 scfm (48–83 gge/hr) 

compressor

• 30 psi inlet gas pressure

• 10–40 dual-hose posts

• One time-fill panel; 10-hour fueling 

window

• Included installation costs are estimated at

65% of equipment costs

*1 gge (gasoline gallon equivalent) = 126 scf (standard cubic feet)

**A time-fill station can accommodate more vehicles than hoses if the vehicles do not fuel every day.
12

Large Station (1,500–2,000 gge*/day)

Type Cost Range Example Applications Assumptions

Fast-Fill $1.2–$1.8

million

• Large retail station serving light- to

heavy-duty vehicles such as delivery 

vans, work trucks, refuse trucks, class 

8 tractors, and local fleets, or

• Airport station serving light- and 

medium-duty vehicles such as taxis, 

shuttle buses, and local fleets**

• Two 300–400 scfm (143–190 gge/hr) 

compressors

• 30 psi inlet gas pressure

• 55,000 scf storage (437 gge)

• Two dual-hose metered dispensers

• Included installation costs are estimated at

50% of equipment costs

*1 gge (gasoline gallon equivalent) = 126 scf (standard cubic feet)

**A time-fill station can accommodate more vehicles than hoses if the vehicles do not fuel every day.

Equipment Costs

Actual equipment costs vary based on equipment size, specifications, and manufacturer.

Equipment Cost Range Description

Compressor 

• 1–8 scfm 

(1–4 gge/hr) 

• 20–40 scfm 

(10–19 gge/hr)

• 50–75 scfm 

(24–36 gge/hr)

• 100–150 scfm (48–

71 gge/hr)

• 250–650 scfm 

(119–310 gge/hr)

$4,000–$550,000

$4,000–$22,000

$50,000–$90,000

$80,000–$150,000

$100,000–$250,000

$200,000–$550,000

The compressor takes inlet gas at low pressure and compresses it to 

the pressure necessary for filling a vehicle to 3,600 psi. The 

compressor’s horsepower (HP) rating and the inlet pressure (psi) 

determine the flow rate, which is measured in standard cubic feet per 

minute (scfm) or gasoline gallon equivalent per hour (gge/hr).

Compressors that offer similar flow rates vary in price based on their

horsepower rating and manufacturer.

Dispenser $25,000–$60,000 At fast-fill stations, drivers use a dispenser to quickly transfer CNG to 

the vehicle tank. Dispensers vary in cost depending on the number of 

hoses, fuel management system, and other features.

Dual-hose 

time-fill post

$4,000–$7,000 At time-fill stations, vehicles are connected to a simple fill post,

typically overnight. The tanks are filled as fuel is available, which

depends on the compressor flow rate and the number of vehicles.

Two vehicles can connect to a dual-hose time-fill post. 

Storage tank $70,000–$130,000 Once natural gas is compressed, it can be stored in tanks for later use.

The storage capacity and compressor size are balanced to ensure that

fuel is available within the necessary timeframe and the number of 

times the compressor turns off and on is minimized. 

Card reader/fuel 

management 

system

$10,000–$30,000 Card readers allow the driver to access fuel using a fleet card or credit 

card. A fuel management system is software that enables tracking of 

driver and vehicle fueling habits.

Gas dryer $10,000–$300,000 A gas dryer removes moisture from the gas prior to compression,

which is a good practice for all CNG stations.
13

This combination-fill station fuels 14 shuttle buses at the Richmond, Virginia, airport with 14 time-fill posts and 

two fast-fill hoses. The fast-fill station is in the bottom left, and some of the time-fill posts are in the upper right. 

Photo from Marathon Technical Services, NREL 30243 

A shuttle bus fuels at a time-fill post at the Richmond Airport combination-fill CNG station. From left to right, the 

equipment behind the fence is a silver gas dryer, two compressors enclosed in white boxes, electrical system, 

and a generator at far right. Photo from Marathon Technical Services, NREL 30245 

A shuttle bus fuels under a canopy at a fast-fill dispenser at the Richmond Airport combination-fill CNG station. 

CNG storage vessels are located behind the fence. Photo from Marathon Technical Services, NREL 30244 
14

Additional Resources

For more information about CNG stations, visit the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) at

afdc.energy.gov/fuels/natural_gas_cng_stations.html. To learn more about the topics introduced 

in this document, contact your local Clean Cities coalition. Coalition contact information can be 

found at cleancities.energy.gov. 

The Vehicle and Infrastructure Cash-Flow Evaluation (VICE) Model is available on the AFDC 

at afdc.energy.gov/fuels/natural_gas_infrastructure.html. Using simple spreadsheet inputs, this 

model helps fleets estimate the financial and emissions benefits they can expect to achieve by 

transitioning to CNG. To use the VICE model, users input fleet-specific data, including number 

of vehicles, vehicle types, fuel use, and planned vehicle-acquisition schedules. The tool then 

provides numerical and graphical presentations of return on investment, payback period, and 

annual greenhouse gas savings.

Questions or comments about the information in this document can be sent to 

cleancities@nrel.gov.

Front Cover Picture Credits: 

Trillium CNG, NREL 30247

Margaret Smith 

Margaret Smith, NREL 28003

Marathon Technical Services, NREL 30342
15

VEHICLE TECHNOLOGIES OFFICE

Clean Cities Technical Response Service

800-254-6735 ∙ technicalresponse@icfi.com

DOE/GO-102014-4471 · September 2014